General Committee Minutes

Meeting #:	Meeting Number: 1
Date:	Monday, January 20, 2020 at 9:30 A.m. - 3:00 P.m.
Location:	Council Chamber

Roll Call

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
• Regional Councillor Jack Heath
• Regional Councillor Joe Li
• Regional Councillor Jim Jones
• Councillor Keith Irish
• Councillor Reid McAlpine
• Councillor Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Khalid Usman
• Councillor Isa Lee

Regrets

• Councillor Alan Ho

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services
• Arvin Prasad, Commissioner Development Services
• Joel Lustig, Treasurer
• Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff
• Phoebe Fu, Director of Environmental Services
• Mary Creighton, Director of Recreation Services
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Elections & Council/Committee Coordinator
• Alida Tari, Manager, Access ＆ Privacy
• Jacqueline Chan, Assistant City Solicitor
• Michael Toshakovski, Deputy City Solicitor
• Amanda Knegje, Manager Tax & Assessment Policy
• Graham Seaman, Director, Sustainability & Asset Management
• Renee England, Senior Manager, Facilities Assets
• Andrea Cecchetto, Director, Service Excellence
• Meg West, Manager of Business Planning and Projects
• Rob Grech, Manager, Stormwater

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

The General Committee Meeting convened at 9:35 AM with Regional Councillor Jack Heath in the Chair.  Councillor Karen Rea assumed the Chair for Community Services Item 10.1.  

General Committee recessed at 10:55 AM and reconvened at 11:06 AM.

General Committee recessed at 12:55 PM and reconvened at 1:50 PM.

The Mayor, Frank Scarpitti addressed the Committee to speak about the tragic loss of life on Flight 752 as a Canadian tragedy indicating that this senseless loss is immeasurable. The Mayor recognized the contributions of the victims, and the impact it has had on the Markham community. The Mayor on behalf of all Members of Council extended their deepest condolences to the family members of all the victims. General Committee and everyone present in the Council Chamber observed a moment of silence for all the victims of Flight 752.

 

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.  

3.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

3.1

MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 2, 2019 GENERAL COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the December 2, 2019 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
  Carried

4.

DEPUTATIONS

4.1

TRCA PRESENTATION ON RIVERINE FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT AND PUBLIC OUTREACH (5.7)

Ms. Rehana Rajabali, Senior Manager, Flood Risk Management, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), addressed the Committee and delivered a PowerPoint presentation entitled, TRCA Flood Risk Assessment and Outreach Program – City of Markham.  

The Committee discussed the following relative to the presentation:

• Change of land use and flood control analysis;
• Emergency and proactive flood control planning between TRCA and municipality;
• Storm Water Management (SWM) strategies
• Extreme event analysis;
• Consider requesting that Metrolinx remove flow bottlenecks through their Environmental Asessments (EAs);
• Overland flow and road flooding; and,
• Importance of community outreach to advise affected residents and businesses of potential flood risks.

Phoebe Fu, Director of Environmental Services, and Rob Grech, Manager, Stormwater addressed the committee to advise that the City is working with the TRCA on ongoing studies with respect to Thornhill, Don Mills area, Unionville and Markham Village.  It was noted that there will be public consultation before study results and recommendations become part of a 30-year program. Staff indicated that there will be fewer properties in flood-risk areas in the future as preventative work is completed.  Staff advised  that Environmental Services will continue to work with Development Services staff relative to new developments, change of land use areas and will report back to identify the number of fewer properties impacted.  

The Committee noted that over time policies and standards change to improve the level of protection for communities.

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That the presentation dated January 20, 2020 from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) entitled “ TRCA Flood Risk Assessment and Outreach Program - City of Markham” be received.
  Carried

5.

COMMUNICATIONS

5.1

YORK REGION COMMUNICATIONS (13.4)

 

• Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  1. That the communication dated December 19, 2019 from York Region regarding Development Application Fee Review 2019 be received for information purposes.
  Carried

6.

PETITIONS

There were no petitions.  

7.

CONSENT REPORTS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

7.1

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 18, 2019 ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. ​That the minutes of the November 18, 2019 Advisory Committee on Accessibility meeting be received for information purposes.​
  Carried

7.2

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 16, 2019 ANIMAL CARE COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the October 16, 2019 Animal Care Committee meeting be received for information purposes.​
  Carried

7.3

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER  6, 2019, NOVEMBER 8, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 12, 2019 BUDGET COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. ​That the minutes of the November 6, 2019, November 8, 2019 and November 12, 2019 Budget Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

7.4

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 25, 2019 MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the minutes of the November 25, 2019 Markham Public Library Board meeting be received for information purposes.
  Carried

7.5

MINUTES OF THE JUNE 11, 2019 SENIORS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (16.0)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. ​That the minutes of the June 11, 2019 Seniors Advisory Committee meeting be received for information purposes.​
  Carried

7.6

AWARD OF TENDER 103-T-19 SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF TWO (2) TANDEM AXLE PLOW/DUMP COMBINATION TRUCKS (7.12)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the report entitled “Award of Tender 103-T-19 Supply and Delivery of Two (2) Tandem Axle Plow/Dump Combination Trucks” be received; and,

  2. That the contract for Tender 103-T-19 Supply and Delivery of Two (2) Tandem Axle Plow/Dump Combination Trucks be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, Tallman Truck Centre Limited, in the amount of $593,796.06, inclusive of HST; and,

  3. That the award in the amount of $593,796.06 be funded from project #19207 Corporate Fleet Replacement (account 057 6150 19207 005), with available budget of $548,020.00; and,

  4. That the budget shortfall in the amount of $45,776.06 ($593,796.06 - $548,020.00) be funded from the Life Cycle Capital and Replacement Reserve Fund; and further,

  5. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.7

STAFF AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2019 (7.12)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Months of November and December 2019” be received; and,
  2. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.8

EXTENSION OF ONTARIO SPCA CONTRACT (2.8)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the report entitled “Extension of Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Contract” be received; and,
  2. That Council approve a one year extension until March 31, 2021 with the Ontario SPCA for the provision of animal sheltering and control services; and,
  3. That staff report back to Council with options for a new animal service delivery model to be implemented when the one year term is complete with the Ontario SPCA; and further,
  4. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.

CONSENT REPORTS - ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES

8.1

MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND REVIEW (5.7)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the Report entitled “Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (MESF) Fund Review “ be received; and,

  2. That the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund include a new funding program entitled the “Sustainable Neighborhoods Small Grant” program under the terms, conditions and approval process outlined in this report; and further,

  3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

9.

PRESENTATIONS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

9.1

BUILDING MARKHAM'S FUTURE TOGETHER (BMFT) 2020 – 2023 STRATEGIC PLAN (16.23)

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer, introduced the Building Markham's Future Together (BMFT) 2020-2023 Strategic Plan and the community outreach initiative to obtain public feedback. He highlighted the focus on youth engagement, key priorities, metric development to monitor the goals at different intervals and to provide annual reports.  Mr. Taylor introduced Meg West, Manager of Business Planning and Projects and Andrea Cecchetto, Director, Service Excellence, who delivered a PowerPoint presentation entitled, Building Markham's Future Together 2020-2023 Strategic Plan.

The Mayor, Frank Scarpitti, thanked Members of Council for their active participation in the development of the strategic plan.  He also thanked members of the steering Committee: Councillor Keith Irish, Councillor Isa Lee, Councillor McAlpine, Councillor Andrew Keyes, Regional Councillor Joe Li for their guidance throughout the process.  The Mayor acknowledged Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer,  Commissioners, Directors, and Meg West for their hard work and contributions.  

Chair, Regional Councillor Jack Heath also thanked the Committee, Meg West and staff for their hard work on this initiative.  

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  1. That the presentation entitled "Building Markham’s Future Together (BMFT) 2020 - 2023 Strategic Plan" be received; and,
  2. That the report entitled "Building Markham’s Future Together (BMFT) 2020 – 2023 Strategic Plan" be received; and,
  3. That the "Building Markham’s Future Together 2020 – 2023 Strategic Plan" attached as Appendix A, be adopted by the City; and,
  4. That the summary of the Community Engagement program outlined in Appendix B be received; and,
  5. That Staff report annually on the status of "Building Markham’s Future Together 2020 - 2023 Strategic Plan"; and further,
  6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

10.

PRESENTATIONS - COMMUNITY SERVICES ISSUES

10.1

MARKHAM PAN AM CENTRE VESTIBULE (6.0)

Mary Crieghton, Director, Recreation Services introduced Renee England, Senior Manager, Facilities Assets who delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Markham Pan Am Centre Vestibule. Staff addressed the Committee and outlined possible solutions, pros and cons of each and identified the proposed recommendation.    

The Committee discussed the following relative to the presentation:

• Feasibility of installing a revolving door;
• Closing off the south door in the winter;
• Estimate of the overall success percentage with the recommended solution;
• Preservation of the integrity of the current Pan Am Centre design;
• Consideration of a Wind Study;
• Funding Source; 
• New requirements as a result of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) for entrance doors, revolving doors, etc.;
• Importance of ensuring that the final design is well incorporated into the original building design; and,
• Temperature of the vestibule in the summer months.

Staff addressed the Committee and advised that many options were considered and based on the expert advice of a Mechanical engineer who has been engaged, Option 5a provided the best solution to a 80% - 90% confidence level.   Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community and Fire Services confirmed that funding source is from the Markham Pan Am Centre capital project budget which received funding from TO2015 to address deficiencies after the Pan Am Centre construction was completed, and confirmed that there are no further deficiencies.

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That the presentation entitled “Markham Pan Am Centre Vestibule” be received; and,
  2. That the Permanent South Exterior Vestibule option be approved; and,
  3. That the project be funded from project #20149 Pan Am Centre Vestibule as approved through the 2020 Capital Budget process; and further,
  4. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

11.

REGULAR REPORTS - FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

11.1

2020 REASSESSMENT YEAR 4 OF 4 AND RELATIVE PROPERTY TAX IMPACT REPORT (7.1)

Amanda Knegje, Manager, Tax ＆ Assessment Policy, delivered a PowerPoint presentation entitled, Reassessment Market Update Impact, 2020 Tax Year - Year 4 of 4 of the Assessment Phase-In & Relative Tax Impact.  Staff noted that this was the last year of the current phase-in cycle and that tax impacts due to reassessment are independent of the City's annual budget process.

The Committee discussed the following relative to the presentation:

• Consider updating the terms used to define tax impact due to reassessment to something such as "tax-shift"' or "tax redistribution based on reassessed value of property";
• Public education about terms and process to determine property value, reducing concerns and calls from constituents;
• That this is not related to the City’s budgetary process; meaning the City does not make additional revenue as a result of the reassessment updates;
• The impacts and potential tax shifting as a result of tax ratio decisions are made at the Regional level; and,
• Timing of the new reassessment cycle.

Staff addressed the Committee to advise that a 4-year phase-in process is used to avoid market volatility and that the new reassessment cycle will have a valuation date of January 1, 2019, whereby increases in value will be phased-in over the 2021-2024 taxation years.  The valuation/classification of all properties are under the authority of Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), and that assessment appeals are made through MPAC and the Assessment Review Board.

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Keith Irish
  1. That the report entitled “2020 Reassessment Year 4 of 4 and Relative Property Tax Impact Report” along with the detailed attachment “2020 Reassessment Year 4 of 4 and Relative Property Tax Impact Appendix” be received for information; and,

  2. That staff be authorized and directed to do all the things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

  Carried

12.

MOTIONS

There were no motions.

13.

NOTICES OF MOTION

There were no notices of motions.

14.

 NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

As per Section 2 of the Council Procedural By-Law, "New/Other Business would generally apply to an item that is to be added to the Agenda due to an urgent statutory time requirement, or an emergency, or time sensitivity".

14.1

 THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS WASHINGTON DC JANUARY 22-24, 2020 (10.16)

Mayor Frank Scarpitti, addressed the Committee requesting that Committee approve his attendance and funding for the United States Conference of Mayors.  Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff provided the Committee with written details of the conference events and Canadian Representatives. 

This conference takes place prior to the next Council Meeting and Committee consented that it be ratified at the January 28, 2020 Council meeting.

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That Council approve the attendance and funding for Mayor Frank Scarpitti to attend the United States Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington DC from Wednesday January 22, 2020 to Friday January 24, 2020; and,
  2. That the estimated cost of $1,240.00 be funded from the Council Conferences Budget (account 840-841-5200); and further,
  3. That Mayor Frank Scarpitti be requested to provide Members of Council with a report on the conference.
  Carried

14.2

2020 SMART CITY SUMMIT AND EXPO TAIPEI, TAIWAN MARCH 24-27, 2020 (10.16)

Regional Councillor Joe Li, addressed the Committee requesting that Committee  approve the attendance for himself and staff member Parvathi Nampoothiri, Manager, Urban Design, to the 2020 Smart City Summit which will be held March 24-27, 2020 in Taipei, Taiwan.  Regional Councillor Li confirmed that the Summit will cover the cost of his air-fare and accommodation and the accommodation of a staff member.  The funding request is for approval of air-fare for staff member Parvathi Nampoothiri.      

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Khalid Usman
  1. That Council approve the attendance for Regional Councilllor Joe Li and Parvathi Nampoothiri, Manager, Urban Design to attend the 2020 Smart City Summit in Taipei, Japan March 24-27, 2020; and,
  2. That Council approve the cost of air-fare for Parvathi Nampoothiri, Manager Urban Design; and,
  3. That the estimated cost of $2,500.00 be funded from the Council Conferences Budget (account 840-841-5200); and further,
  4. That Regional Councillor Joe Li be requested to provide Members of Council with a report on the conference.
  Carried

14.3

PAVING RESIDENTIAL BACKYARDS (10.0)

Councillor Karen Rea, addressed the Committee to inquire about the status of staff reporting back on the prevention of paving residential backyards.  

15.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

15.1

FIRE DEPARTMENT AMALGAMATION (7.15)

Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton addressed the Committee to advise that Tom Mrakas, Mayor of Aurora, put forward a motion at York Region Council suggesting that the fire departments in the Region amalgamate.  

15.2

REGIONAL COUNCILLOR REVIEW (13.4)

Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton addressed the Committee to advise that Tom Mrakas, Mayor of Aurora, put forward a motion at York Region Council proposing a reduction of the size of Regional Council to nine Mayors and one Chair, and eliminating the role of Regional Councillors.

16.

CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea

  That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into a confidential session to discuss the following matters:

  Carried

16.1

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

16.1.1

GENERAL COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES- DECEMBER 2, 2019 (16.0) [ Section 239 (2) (a) (b) (c) (e) (f)]

General Committee consented to confirm the confidential minutes dated December 2, 2019.

16.2

LAND, BUILDING & PARKS CONSTRUCTION ISSUES

16.2.1

A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (8.6) (WARD 7) [Section 239 (2) (c)]

General Committee consented to postpone this matter until a future date.  

Carried

16.2.2

A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (8.6) (WARD 2) [Section 239 (2) (c)]

General Committee consented to postpone this matter until a future date.  

Carried

17.

ADJOURNMENT

General Committee adjourned at 3:35 PM.

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

  That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 3:35 PM.  

  Carried